Investigating sound insulation, thermal conductivity and radioactivity of chipboards produced with cotton waste, fly ash and barite

Due to the rapid energy consumption, many studies have been done on alternative energy generation methods. In this sense, insulation has an important place from the point of energy saving. Energy loss can be minimized by insulation technologies. Insulation materials produced by favorable methods can be healthier, more durable and economic. It is expected a huge increase on demands of insulation products because thermal and sound insulations are considered during construction. In this study, it is examined the usage of cotton waste, fly ash and epoxy resin on production of chipboards. Thermal conductivities, sound insulations and bending strengths of chipboards with different thickness were tested. Radioactive properties of samples containing barite were also investigated. All tests were performed by according to Turkish Standards. It was resulted that usage of cotton waste and fly ash had a positive effect on the engineering properties of chipboards. It was proved that lightweight construction materials produced with cotton waste, fly ash and epoxy resin could be used for getting better thermal and sound insulation results. Besides, radioactive permeability was measured lower on samples containing barite. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.